Evert all praise for Li Na

Singapore: Li Na is destined for more Grand Slams and a place in the Hall of Fame, after the Australian Open win cemented her position as the most influential female player of the last decade, said former great Chris Evert.

Evert, the winner of 18 Grand Sam titles, joined WTA Tour chief Stacey Allaster in hailing the Chinese’s achievements at a promotional event on Monday.

“Yeah, I’d vote for her,” Evert said when asked if Li was worthy of a place alongside her in the Hall of Fame. “It’s not only about winning Grand Slams. It’s about the influence that you have in tennis. Look at her. She is the most influential women’s tennis player in the last 10 years, with what she has done for global tennis. Something would be wrong if she didn’t get into the tennis’ Hall of Fame.”

Li moved up one place to world No. 3. Li has got Evert predicting the Chinese could add a third or fourth Grand Slam before the year is out. “She is still up for Grand Slams, along with Serena (Williams), Maria (Sharapova), Victoria (Azarenka),” she said.